Monday, November 9, 2009

Del Zotto, Anisimov Make Calder Poll

Both Michael Del Zotto and Artem Anisimov made the top 10 of the Hockey's Future Calder Trophy Poll. Del Zotto was named #1...

1. Michael Del Zotto, D - New York Rangers

6'1, 195 lbs. DOB: June 24, 1990

Drafted 20th overall (1st Round) in 2008The Rangers started the 2009-10 season with a bang. After dropping their first match of the year, their October featured a seven-game win streak that catapulted them to the top of the league standings in the early going. This dominance was motivated in part by a white-hot power play, which was quarterbacked by rookie Del Zotto. A 19-year-old, Del Zotto continues to be among the top power-play minute crunchers both with the Rangers and rookies around the league. Although the Rangers have cooled off from their hot start, his four goals and 13 points in 18 games is tied for second in rookie scoring and fourth among all NHL defensemen.

10. Artem Anisimov, C - New York Rangers

6'4, 197 lbs. DOB: May 24, 1988

Drafted 54th overall (2nd round) in 2006Playing a regular shift on the third line for the Rangers, Artem Anisimov has had little difficulty transitioning from the AHL to the NHL. A two-way forward, Anisimov may not see the same opportunities that his fellow rookies are enjoying, with roughly ten and half minutes of ice time a game and seeing minimal opportunity on either the powerplay or the penalty kill. But with that said, the big Russian has scored three goals and has seven points in 18 NHL games, good enough to tie for ninth in rookie scoring.